Changes in the dietary culture in Kawakami, Nagano: A comparison of interviews conducted in 1941 and 2002

Abstract

The present study aims to reveal changes in the dietary culture of Japanese farmers since the early Showa era (1926-1988). This study is similar to an investigation of dietary habits that was conducted in 1941. Thirteen women who were residents of Kawahake Kawakami, Nagano, either by birth or marriage were interviewed in 2002. During the 1960s, Kawahake residents changed their occupation from forestry or sericulture to vegetable cultivation. Vegetable cultivation yielded substantial income, yet necessitated a large amount of labor, resulting in an influx of seasonal laborers from the whole country. Intense labor during summer brought about an increase in the consumption of purchased lunches and side dishes. In addition, Kawahake men began to take wives from all over Japan. These changes along with others influenced the dietary habits of the farmers.